The Netherlands used to be fairly generous in comparison to other EU states in its treatment of asylum seekers, but has recently introduced stricter measures.

Asylum seekers arriving in the Netherlands via another EU country are not entitled to accommodation in reception centres.

Key facts

Number of asylum applications 2000: 43,890

Recognition of asylum-seekers in 1999: 15.6%

Percentage granted refugee status in 1999: 2.5%

Cases still pending 1999: none

Benefits

Asyum seekers receive a one-off allowance, in addition to weekly pocket money and clothing allowing. If food is not provided at the residence centre, the allowance is equivalent to about $162 a month (39 euros a week).

All asylum seekers are placed in reception centres where they stay for the first three months before being housed in residence centres, hotels or boarding houses.

Asylum seekers are offered a general medical check-up on arrival, and can be referred to a specialist by the doctor at the reception centre.

Aslyum seekers are allowed to work for 12 weeks a year.

School is compulsory for children between five and 16, but asylum seekers are not entitled to advanced education. Dutch culture and language classes are usually provided at the residence centres.

It has more asylum seekers per 1,000 inhabitants than any other EU country. (It takes 4.2 asylum seeker per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to the UK's 1.7).

Key facts

Number of asylum applications 2000: 42,690

Recognition of asylum-seekers in 1999: 32.4%

Percentage granted refugee status in 1999: 32.4%

Cases still pending 1999: none

Benefits

Asylum seekers receive a one-off allowance, in addition to weekly pocket money and clothing allowing. If food is not provided at the residence centre, the allowance is equivalent to about $162 a month (39 euros a week).

Asylum seekers are normally assigned to either an open or closed reception centre on arrival, although they can obtain their own accommodation.

There is a mandatory test for tuberculosis, and an HIV test is recommended. Asylum seekers staying at reception centres qualify for free healthcare, and two specialised centres for psychological treatment have been set up.

Aslyum seekers have the right to work after their application has been received, and initial processing has been completed.

The French government is struggling to find accommodation for the tens of thousands of asylum seekers that arrive in the country each year.

On average it takes about six months for an asylum seeker to be allocated to a reception centre. To qualify for a temporary residence permit asylum seekers need to make an appointment with the local authorities, for which there is a four month waiting list.

This discourages anyone who does not have friends or relatives in the country from even applying.

The UK has also complained that the French are not doing enough to stop asylum seekers crossing the border into the UK.

Key facts

Number of asylum applications 2000: 38,590

Recognition of asylum-seekers in 1999: 19.3%

Percentage granted refugee status in 1999: 19.3%

Cases still pending 1999: none

Benefits

Asyum seekers without friends or family in France usually have to struggle alone due to overcrowding at the reception centres. Many end up in homeless accommodation.

Asylum seekers receive a one-off allowance of $283, in addition to a monthly allowance of $255 for those not accommodated at reception centres.

There is a mandatory test medical test for asylum seekers staying admitted to reception centres. The larger centres provide psychological care once or twice a week.

Aslyum seekers have no access to the labour market.

School is free and compulsory for children until the age of 16. There are no specific integration programmes or state-sponsored language classes.